The Good Lives Model and restorative justice: combined potential in cases of sexual violence

Abstract

This article explores the combined potential of the Good Lives Model (GLM) and restorative justice as complementary approaches to justice, healing and social integration for sexual crime victims and offenders. When the synergies in both perspectives are combined, they have the potential to enhance the lives of victims, offenders and their respective communities. The two different practice approaches can be integrated within the practice framework model developed by Ward and Durrant (2021). We also suggest that aspects of the GLM could be explored as a potential framework to guide victim services too. The GLM and restorative justice are natural allies because of their shared commitment to the equal value and dignity of every individual involved in crime. The paper makes two important contributions. First it considers the potential to combine the GLM with restorative justice. Second it suggests there is potential to develop aspects of the GLM for survivor services.